In a significant move to bolster its cricketing infrastructure, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has appointed Gary Stead, the former New Zealand coach who masterminded the Black Caps' victory over India in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final, as the head coach of the Andhra Pradesh Ranji Trophy team for the 2025-26 season.
Stead's appointment is a coup for the ACA, signaling their intent to elevate the standard of cricket in the state. Kesineni Sivnath, President of ACA, emphasized that Stead is not just a coach but a "culture-builder" whose arrival signifies a commitment to raising the bar in talent development, tactical preparation, and operational discipline. The ACA is confident that Stead's mentorship will inspire both players and coaches.
Stead himself expressed his honor in joining the ACA, citing the palpable passion for cricket in Andhra Pradesh and the ACA's commitment to legacy and development as key reasons for accepting the role. He looks forward to collaborating with players, support staff, and leadership to build a team that competes with heart and purpose.
Gary Stead's Coaching Pedigree Gary Stead brings a wealth of experience to the Andhra Pradesh Ranji Trophy team, having served as the head coach of the New Zealand national cricket team for seven years, from 2018 to 2025. His tenure with the Black Caps was highly successful, marked by several significant achievements:
Andhra Pradesh's Recent Performance Andhra Pradesh has been striving to improve its performance in domestic cricket. In the previous season, the team finished sixth in Ranji Trophy Elite group B with only one win. Their performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy saw them finish fourth in their group, while they lost to Uttar Pradesh in the quarter-final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The ACA hopes that Stead's appointment will revitalize the team and lead to improved results.
Stead's initial contract with the ACA is for one year, with a likely extension. He is expected to arrive in Visakhapatnam soon to begin his tenure, with his work visa already approved.
Predecessor
Gary Stead replaced Tinu Yohannan as head coach.
Other Coaching Appointments While Gary Stead takes over the Andhra Pradesh Ranji Trophy team, other notable coaches are making waves in the cricketing world. Simon Helmot, an Australian coach with extensive experience in various T20 leagues, has been reappointed as the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). Helmot, who led the Renegades to their first WBBL title, has also coached in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
